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3 questions to help get perspective on your work life

Unbelievable that we are almost at the end of another year and for me that signals a time to reflect.

I decided to also reflect on my journey since departing the corporate world and write about some of my lessons along the way. There have been many however to avoid boring you to tears, I’ll only share three.

Now, whenever I write an article, it is always my intention to incorporate value for the reader and this is usually by posing some questions throughout. I hope I achieve that here.

Lesson #1:

My job defined me. Really defined me. It was the first thing that struck me when I left work: who am I without the job title? It was the beginning of my transition into the unknown and at times, I found it very uncomfortable.

Why was I worried about the opinion of other’s? I understood it was simply my fear of the judgement from others. I worked on gaining the perspective I needed as well as developing a much stronger sense of self.

What I ‘do’ no longer defines who I am.

Ask yourself – Does my job define who I am? Who would I be without my job? Tip: be honest! This is about understanding your sense of self.

Lesson #2:

I had taken my last year of work very seriously and doing a great job was what seemed to matter the most. It was to the point that my health suffered as well as my relationships with the most important people in my life, my husband and daughter.

I now have a better understanding of the importance of my health and wellbeing. I’ve learnt to balance the busyness of work with all other aspects of my life. I recognise the signs that tell me when things are out of balance and I know what I need to do (or not do) to bring some balance back.

Ask yourself – how well do I care for myself at times of great stress or busyness? Do I recognise the signs? Do I allow myself to do what I need to do to re-centre myself or do I push through? Tip: think about your diet, exercise, sleep and hydration.

Lesson #3:

I lived life on automatic pilot. The routine of life: get up, get dressed, go to work, come home and go to bed (plus all the in-betweens). Then I pressed repeat, repeat and repeat. Oh how dull and boring!

Then I started to hang out with creatives and entrepreneurs and I soon learned how life can be different. It was simply up to me. I now do at least one activity everyday that makes me feel the way I want. I love living a more inspired life.

Do this – in 2 or 3 words, describe how you want to feel everyday. Write it down! What do you need to do to feel this way? Incorporate one thing a day that inspires you. Tip: keep it simple!

How did you go? Did you stop and answer the questions? Did you do the exercise under Lesson #3?